Lee Casswell's men were beaten 4-3 by Blyth Spartans last Saturday in the FA Cup after missing a last-minute penalty, but the manager says that's now all behind them.

Blues bounced back on Tuesday night with a 4-1 win at Stocksbridge Park Steels to put a smile back on a few faces.

"It was important we got back to playing football as soon as possible to get the Blyth game out of our systems and all credit to the players, they knuckled down after we conceded an early goal and ran out comfortable winners.
"We had a chat at half-time and came out all guns blazing, scored an early goal and just went on from there.

"We were getting behind with our league games due to cup commitments, but I suppose when you are doing well in cups then that's got to happen. We've just got to make sure we stay focused and keep picking up points."

Tomorrow's visitors Spalding didn't play in midweek, but are just two places behind Leek in the table.

Casswell believes it will be a good game of football.

"Spalding like to get the ball down and knock it around. I like my team to do the same, so hopefully it should be a good game."

The manager is hopeful Dan Shelley will be able to play some part after missing the last two weeks with a thigh injury, picked up during the FA Cup victory over Boston United on October 11.

Shelley didn't travel to Stocksbridge on Tuesday night, but reported for more treatment and took part in a training session ahead of the game.

"Dan is pretty confident he will be okay for the weekend, which will be a big boost for us because he was having a great season before he picked up his injury."

Shelley, the leading scorer with seven, is likely to start on the bench if he comes through his fitness test.

Definitely out, though, is defender Danny Smith who was carried off on Tuesday night with a knee injury.

Casswell says its likely to be a couple of weeks before he is back.
"It didn't look too good, Danny was in quite a bit of pain, but we will assess the situation in a few days and take it from there."

Casswell says Smith's injury will mean Paul Donnelly will get his chance to make an impression.

"Paul will come in and do a good job for us. There's been a bit of interest in him from other clubs because he hasn't been playing regularly, but he's stayed loyal to us and now he'll get his chance."

Spalding are likely to include their new signing Matt Kennedy who joined on Wednesday from United Counties Premier Division side Boston Town.